Executive Director

Betty J. Weaver, M.S.S.A., is currently the Executive Director for Gathering Hope House (Mental Health Recovery Services).  She received her Bachelor of Art in Social Work from Ursuline College and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, where she was noted as a Mandel Scholar and viewed as a leader in the community.  Betty is an Ordained Clergy.  She has more than 25+ years of extensive experience in Leadership, Human Services, Behavioral Health Sciences, Community Development, Non-Profit Organization Management, Change Initiatives, Strategic Vision, Organization Assessment and Design, Program Planning and Development, Grant writing, Training and Consultation.  Aside from her work, Betty provides workshops, presentations, and conferences city wide, nationally and internationally.  She serves and volunteers on many advisory committees. Currently, she serves on the National Association of Reentry and the National Association of Social Workers Organization. Also, Betty is an active member of Leadership Lorain County Best Class of 2016.  She is a recipient of several awards for her outstanding leadership and advocacy on both state and national levels.  Betty remains committed to the principles of leadership empowerment and is a lifelong advocate for under privileged and vulnerable populations.  Betty is a sought-after empowerment leader, visionary thinker, and transformational leader who has the ability to research, synthesize and convey profound truths that transforms lives.  She has earned a distinguished reputation as a catalyst for change and voice of hope to communities and the nations.   She and her husband currently reside in Ohio and have two successful daughters and three remarkable grandchildren. 
​

Director of Program Services

Stephen Dargaj, Director of Program Services, joined Gathering Hope House as the Director of Program and Services.  He provides organizational support; as well as, direction with program services. Stephen has over five years of experience working in the field of Mental Health. Prior to joining Gathering Hope House, Stephen attended Ohio University and worked with two nonprofit organizations in Athens County.  While at school Stephen created a program called “the Athens Recording Project” at the Gathering Place.  The project focused on recording music therapy sessions and individual sessions with clients.  Home Away From Home was another nonprofit Stephen worked with while at school. He focused his efforts on the programming of the organization along with marketing through social media- an effort that still continues today. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration from Ohio University with a focus in mental health. On his free time Stephen likes to write and produce music and work with digital art.

​Peer Recovery Specialist

​David M. Blaine Jr., is an Ohio Certified Peer Support Specialist and works on the Recovery Team at Gathering Hope House.  As a Peer Support Specialist David functions as a role model to peers by demonstrating use of learned coping skills, assisting peers in regaining independence within the community and provides recovery resources.  He has been an Ohio Certified Peer Support Specialist for 4 years.  Prior to coming to the Gathering Hope House he worked with consumers in a Residential Group Home setting where his responsibility was to take consumers on social outings.  In his spare time, David enjoys mentoring and coaching youth.  He’s also our local radio station Disc Jockey.  David has been a resident of Lorain Ohio for over 40 years and enjoys helping people in his community.  David has been married to his loving and supportive wife, Jennifer for 12 years and has two children.